Search Results for: proposals

Thank You, Writers!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 28, 2017

In light of meeting with so many fabulous writers at the recent ACFW conference, I feel led to give special thanks not only to my clients but to every writer endeavoring to make a difference in Christian publishing.

Thank you for:

giving agents, editors, and publishers, books that allow us to have the best jobs in the world.
writing complete novels on spec.
creating your best proposals.
listening to counsel and working with us whether or not you agree with our advice.
trusting us with your words.
wanting to further God’s kingdom.
sacrificing family time.
loving readers.
walking with the Lord.

And so much more! Christian publishing would not exist with you! Thank you.

Your turn:

What would you like to say to your fellow writers?

Category: Awards, Personal

You Gotta Know the Territory

By Bob Hostetleron September 27, 2017

So you’re writing a book. In what genre? Don’t know? You must. My colleague, Dan Balow, recently wrote a valuable blog post (here) that touched on the many genre categories and sub-categories in today’s publishing world. You should read it—when you finish reading this, of course. “I don’t care about genre,” you may say. “I’m a writer, not an editor or publisher.” To which I say, “Tough.” If you’re …

Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Career, Genre

Four Ways to Rise to the Top!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 7, 2017

Since agents receive more proposals than they have time to represent, a huge obstacle for new authors is getting their manuscripts to the top of the stack. Every week I review excellent proposals from writers I would be proud to represent. If only I could double my hours in a day! This happy dilemma speaks to how much the Christian market has matured. We attract the best and brightest writers. I …

Category: Book Proposals, Get PublishedTag: book proposal, Get Published

Send Simultaneous Submissions or Not?

By Steve Laubeon August 7, 2017

Bryan Mitchell asked, “What is the max number of submissions you should send at a given time? I’ve heard ten but that sounds off; to me, it seems it should be less than that if you are carefully considering the agents you reach out to.” When approaching agents I encourage simultaneous submissions, as long as you let us know you are doing so. But, as Bryan answered his own question, there is no …

Category: Agency, Agents, Book ProposalsTag: Agency, Agents, book proposals, Queries, Simultaneous Submissions

Should You Hire a Freelance Editor?

By Steve Laubeon July 31, 2017

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Katie Dale asked, “I am wondering at what stage should I have my memoir edited? After I have an agent? After I have a publisher? Before? Should I consider ever getting professionally edited before I get an agent or publisher? What’s the process?” This is a question being asked more frequently. Dare I answer with “It depends”? I have a client who has utilized a freelance …

Category: EditingTag: Editing, Writing Craft

What Happens in the Agency After I Send my Proposal?

By Steve Laubeon July 24, 2017

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Jeanine asked, “Please help me to get a picture of what happens to a manuscript that has been submitted (via email) to your office, from the time of its arrival to the time of the agent’s acceptance/rejection.” Thank you for the question Jeanine. I will first give a silly but kinda true answer of what happens in the agency as follows: We avoid looking in the incoming proposals inbox …

Category: Agency, Book ProposalsTag: Agency, book proposals

Ask Me Anything

By Steve Laubeon July 17, 2017

With Summer in full mid-form and some planning the rest of their year’s writing efforts, I thought it might be a good chance for you to post below any question you might have about the publishing business. Editing? Proposals? Why so many rejections? How does it all work? Will Amazon doom us all? Are bookstores dying? etc. I only ask that you keep within the topic of writing and publishing. I …

Category: Agents, The Publishing LifeTag: publishing, questions, Writing Craft

Oh, What a Time I’ve Had

By Karen Ballon July 5, 2017

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There are so many things about being an agent that I love. Finding new writers whose work resonated with, and moved, me. Building relationships with my amazing clients. The joy of working with them on their projects. Playing “matchmaker” and finding just the right publisher for them. Seeing publishers treat these wonderful writers with such enthusiasm and respect. Working with Steve, Tamela, and …

Category: Agency, Editing, Encouragement, Inspiration, Karen, PersonalTag: Agency, Karen Ball, Personal

Is Your Glass Half Empty?

By Steve Laubeon June 12, 2017

Over the decades it has been interesting to listen to and read the various pundits regarding the publishing industry. Typically those who spell out doom and gloom get the attention (fortifying the idea that “if it bleeds, it leads”). At the same time there is the optimist position which is often derided for being unrealistic. After awhile I’ve learned to smile and simply get back …

Category: Christian, Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Personal, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life, TheologyTag: Encouragement, Faith, The Publishing Life

Test Marketing Books

By Dan Balowon May 23, 2017

In the traditional book-publishing world, insiders often refer to the initial release of a book from a new author as a marketing test…more R&D than launching and promoting a known product. The self-publishing process can function in a similar role of market testing for a first time author. You won’t know for certain how it will be received, but it is worth the effort to try. Most authors …

Category: Book Business, Indie, Marketing, Self-Publishing, The Publishing LifeTag: Indie, Marketing, Self-Publishing, The Publishing Life